KARAMSAD (GUJARAT), Nov 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday highlighted that freedom is not only about rights but also about duties and a call for unity, as his message was read during the flag-off of the ‘Unity March’ in Karamsad, Gujarat.
The march, organised by the state government, commemorates the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first home minister, and will proceed from Karamsad to the Statue of Unity in Narmada district, culminating on December 5. Nearly 15,000 participants are expected to join daily.
Addressing the occasion, Modi recalled the significance of padyatras during India’s freedom struggle, saying they “united society, boosted confidence, and instilled a sense of unity in millions of hearts.” He added that Constitution Day serves as a reminder of citizens’ duties alongside their rights.
The Prime Minister also lauded initiatives reflecting national unity, including Digital India, Fit India, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and public participation projects like ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, and emphasized the role of youth, solidarity, and innovation in achieving Viksit Bharat 2047.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel flagged off the march in the presence of dignitaries, including Tripura CM Manik Saha. Modi expressed confidence that the padyatra would inspire citizens to align their efforts with India’s progress while paying homage to Sardar Patel’s vision of national unity.
